If you can relate to these 7 Stoic principles, you’re wiser and more mature than most people

Have you ever felt like life is throwing curveballs your way, leaving you wondering if you’re truly in control? What if I told you that the secret to true self-awareness and inner peace lies in embracing ancient Stoic principles?

Today, we dive into seven key Stoic principles that might reveal you’re wiser and more mature than most people.

Can you relate to these?

Let’s find out.

1) You recognize control is an illusion

There’s a certain level of understanding that comes with knowing what we can and can’t control.

Stoicism teaches us about the impermanence of everything, including the illusion of control. It’s about realizing that our reactions to circumstances are often more within our control than the circumstances themselves.

Are you nodding along to this?  That’s a fair indication of your wisdom. 

2) You accept life’s ups and downs

As much as we’d love for life to be a smooth ride, it rarely is. There are highs and lows, triumphs and failures.

Stoicism encourages us to see these as part of the natural flow of existence. It’s not about being indifferent or suppressing our emotions, but rather about accepting reality as it is.

Here’s a little slice from my life: I used to get really frustrated when plans didn’t work out exactly as I envisioned. I’d plan a perfect weekend getaway, only to have it rain the entire time. Instead of enjoying what was there, I’d be fixated on what could have been.

When I started embracing Stoicism, my perspective changed. I started seeing these situations not as ruined plans, but as opportunities to adapt and grow. That rainy weekend? It turned into an impromptu movie marathon that was just as fun, in its own way.

If you can also see the beauty in life’s unpredictability and face challenges with a sense of acceptance, that’s a sign you’re more mature than most. 

3) You understand the value of impermanence

Nature loves nothing so much as to change what it is and to create new things in their likeness” Marcus Aurelius once said. (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)

This nugget of wisdom isn’t just about understanding that everything changes. It’s about deeply appreciating the fleeting nature of life and all its experiences.

Impermanence is a cornerstone of Stoic philosophy. It helps us cherish the good times, knowing they won’t last forever, and endure the tough times, understanding they too will pass.

If you’ve ever sat quietly, watching a sunset or a flower bloom, fully aware that you’re witnessing a momentary spectacle, then you’ve grasped this principle.

It’s tough to accept that everything we hold dear is temporary, but if you can appreciate this reality, it’s a clear sign of your heightened awareness.

4) You’re at peace with the present

The human brain is a curious thing. It can recall the past with vivid detail and imagine a future of endless possibilities. Yet, paradoxically, it often struggles to stay grounded in the present.

Stoic philosophy urges us to be fully immersed in the here and now. After all, the past is gone, and the future is uncertain. The only moment we truly have is this one.

If you can relate to this practice of living in the present moment, not just as a concept but as a way of life, then you’re definitely more self-aware than most people. This ability to anchor yourself in the present is a powerful testament to your self-awareness.

5) You find strength in adversity

Life has a knack for throwing us curveballs, doesn’t it?

Just when we think we’ve got it all sorted, something comes along and knocks the wind out of us.

Stoicism teaches us that adversity is not something to be feared or avoided, but rather a tool for growth. It’s about finding the strength and resilience within ourselves to overcome obstacles. As put by Seneca: 

“manliness gains much strength by being challenged” (Moral letters to Lucilius/Letter 13)

Embracing adversity as an opportunity for growth might not be the easiest route, but it certainly is a sign of wisdom. 

6) You value reason over reaction

We all have those moments when our emotions threaten to get the best of us. Anger flares up, fear takes hold, or sadness overwhelms us.

Stoicism is all about using reason to navigate these turbulent emotional waters. It’s about taking a step back, assessing the situation objectively, and choosing a response rather than reacting impulsively.

Choosing reason over reaction is no small feat, but if you can relate to this practice, it’s a strong indication of your maturity. It shows that you have control over your emotions, rather than letting them control you.

7) You practice detachment

In a world that constantly encourages us to want more, to be more, detachment can seem like a foreign concept.

But within Stoicism, detachment isn’t about denying yourself pleasures or living a life of deprivation. It’s about not attaching your happiness or self-worth to external factors, whether it’s material possessions, people, or circumstances.

If you’ve ever felt contentment in simplicity, if you’ve ever chosen to let go of something because you realized its hold on your peace of mind, then you’re practicing this principle.

Being able to detach from the external and find happiness within yourself is a clear sign of self-awareness. It shows that you understand your worth is not defined by what you have, but by who you are.

Embracing the journey

See yourself in these principles? You’re already on the path to greater wisdom and maturity.

But keep in mind that Stoicism is not about perfection but about progress. As you navigate your journey, take time to reflect on how these principles manifest in your life and continue to grow.

We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences with these Stoic principles. Do they resonate with you? Have they made a difference in your life?

Share your views in the comments below.

Also, if you haven’t already, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive more insights and tips on personal growth and self-improvement. 

Until next time, keep striving for wisdom and peace.

What would Marcus Aurelius say?

Unsure what to do next in your career? Struggling to move on from a failed relationship? Searching for more meaning in life?

Marcus Aurelius can tell you how to face your challenges in a more Stoic way.

Simply ask your question, and Marcus Aurelius will answer.

Check it out here.

 

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